“Having” and “Taking”

The first three pieces of the Christian armor should be worn at all times, while the last three should be taken up and used when and where it is necessary. Evidence for this can be seen when we look at Paul’s use of the words “having” and “taking.”

Listen to the passage: “Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace” (Eph 6:14-15). Then, in the second section, the word changes: “In every situation take the shield of faith … take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit” (Eph 6:16-17). The difference between the first and last three pieces of equipment is the difference between “having” and “taking.”

The “shield” referred to in Ephesians 6 was extremely large, about four feet long and about two and a half feet wide, designed to give as much protection as possible to the front of the body. More important, the front surface was covered with a sheet of fireproof metal so that the fiery darts of the enemy would have little or no effect. Clearly Paul thought that, in addition to the first three items, a further defense was needed to protect us from the Devil’s preliminary attacks.

When we consider the lengths to which God has gone in order to give us the protection we need against satanic attack, one wonders why we ever allow ourselves to be badgered and defeated by the Devil.

Further Study

Heb 11:17-40; Rm 10:17; Php 3:8-9

How does faith come?

List some of the things accomplished through faith.